Wood Deck Refinishing

Your wood deck is likely to be the focal point of your home's exterior, whether the finish is in good shape or not! All decks benefit from regular refinishing- this means a complete sanding and restaining every 4-6 years. If this sounds like a lot of work, it's because it is! But it is also well worth the investment in time and materials.

Proper Preparation Counts

It's not an exaggeration to say that preparation is 75% of any finishing job. If you decide to hire a deck refinishing contractor, make sure that the contract includes proper surface preparation.

Assessing the Condition of Your Deck

Every deck refinishing job is different, and it's important to assess your deck's unique situation before beginning. Note any any repairs, infestations, and other conditions that might need to be dealt with. Is your deck's surface in fairly good condition, or is the wood deeply cracked and splintering? This will make a difference not only in the total amount of work that must be performed, but also in the way you prepare the surface.

A Fresh Start

Before washing or sanding your deck, remove any algae, mildew, or mold. These infestations are ugly, damage wood and finishes, and can even present a health hazard. Even worse, sanding or pressure washing these slimy nuisances will only grind the fungus deeper into the wood!

The best way to deal with these problems (and other persistent stains!) is to use a deck cleaner/brightener. Mix the chemicals according to package directions and scrub them onto the deck using a stiff brush or broom. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then use a pressure washer to thoroughly rinse the surface. On small areas, a solution of chlorine bleach can be used the same way.

To Wash or to Sand? That Is the Question

Or maybe the the question should be: which do you do first? Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood's pores and allow penetration of the stain.

If the deck is in fairly good shape except for faded and worn finish, pressure wash first, then follow with a light sanding to knock down any fuzz or raised grain caused by the washer.

Fix What Needs Fixing

Now is the time to complete any deck repairs. An attractive appearance up top means nothing if the understructure is decaying. Wobbly or too-widely spaced stairs and loose handrails are a recipe for disaster; protect your family and your guests from injury by attending to these now.

Apply a Penetrating Deck Sealer

There are many types of deck sealer on the market today, and many promise 2, 3, or 4 year finishes. While most decks will require a maintenance coat of stain every year or two (no matter what the label on the can says!), it still pays to go with a name brand product. Higher levels of pigment and better moisture resistance help quality finishes last longer. Read more about choosing deck stain.

Make sure you buy enough product to cover the entire deck. The last thing you want is to have to run to the store in the middle of your project to pick up another can. Any excess can be stored to use for your yearly deck maintenance. Not sure how much you need? Learn more about calculating coverage.

Never apply stain to a wet deck. Even though many manufacturers have developed stains that can be applied to damp surfaces, the reality is that even these products cure better and last better when applied to dry wood.

Deck stain can be applied in a number of ways. The most popular option is to use a brush, roller, or lambswool pad, but deck stain can also be applied with a sprayer.

Allow the deck to dry thoroughly before walking on it or moving planters and furniture back into place. Remember, deck maintenance begins as soon as the stain is in place!

Do you live in Southern Colorado? Crowder Painting does decks!

Your Deck Refinishing Ideas

Wood Deck Refinishing Ideas
How Did You Refinish Your Wood Deck?

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